Rancor erupts briefly at end of Watkinsville Council meeting
July City Council Meeting
Oconee Living section
Athens Banner-Herald
July 12, 2006
Nerves frayed toward end of Watkinsville council meeting
By Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.
Correspondent
Athens Banner-Herald
Contentious rancor erupted briefly toward the end of the first regular monthly meeting of the Watkinsville City Council since City Attorney R. Judson Huff resigned over a “liquor elimination ordinance,” according to Police Chief Lee O’Dillon.
“It gives us a tool,” said O’Dillon. “It will stop the brown bagging.”
He did not need to intervene in the quick heated exchange between Council member Brian Brodrick and a couple of residents. Cooler heads and apologies soon prevailed after Mayor Jim Luken restored order. Brodrick said he favored “baby steps” toward the beer and wine in restaurants and package stores instead of “jumping into the deep end of the pool.”
Local Republican Party secretary and retired blogger Kate McDaniel of APVOC.com questioned the council’s attitude toward change, and Ashford Manor’s Jim Shearon took exception to her comment. He cited his former neighbor Mike and Nona Thornton’s Town Center development as proof positive of good change in Watkinsville.
Several other residents spoke about the beer and wine sales in restaurants and package stores including Johnny Lay and Mike Griffith of Golden Pantry.
A new free weekly newspaper was unveiled for publication August 3rd. The Oconee Leader will be a total market coverage newspaper for most of mail patrons of the county. Robert Peecher, Senior received the business license for his son Rob Junior to be editor and publisher. The younger Peecher has been employed at the Macon Telegraph and Eatonton Messenger among other Georgian newspapers.
The paper will be printed in Monroe and their office is on 46A Greensboro Highway, the same location of the last challenge to the county’s legal organ the Oconee Enterprise in the old Oconee Arrow newspaper office.
Maridee Williams of the Oconee Enterprise came and addressed the council about Bicentennial Birthday Celebration November 24 in Eagle Tavern. Many plans are underway and on committee discussion for the celebration, ranging from possible postal commemorative cancellation to birthday cakes and re-enactments. The Oconee County Historical Society has also pledged cooperation.
Steve and Dory Brown received a demolition permit on an existing house in the historic district downtown at 36 South Main Street. This came after inspections by city building inspector Cindy Peck and code enforcement officer Robert Hegge. Brodrick voted against allowing the razing of the house near the historic Bishop Atticus Haygood house of Chappelle Gallery.
Sherry Carson received approval for a swimming pool permit even after the county erroneously approved one for her in the 1080 Taylor’s Drive address. Restaurant owner Scott Boswell received permission for a complete remodel at 64 N. Main Street in what he hopes will be a 1950s style diner called Floyd’s Grill with red neon trim. He had received a business license a month earlier for the eatery in what was the sewing center most recently.
At least three candidates for the new city attorney waited outside the meeting as the council adjourned into executive session to discuss personnel matters as well as acquisition of real estate and potential litigation.
Oconee Living section
Athens Banner-Herald
July 12, 2006
Nerves frayed toward end of Watkinsville council meeting
By Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.
Correspondent
Athens Banner-Herald
Contentious rancor erupted briefly toward the end of the first regular monthly meeting of the Watkinsville City Council since City Attorney R. Judson Huff resigned over a “liquor elimination ordinance,” according to Police Chief Lee O’Dillon.
“It gives us a tool,” said O’Dillon. “It will stop the brown bagging.”
He did not need to intervene in the quick heated exchange between Council member Brian Brodrick and a couple of residents. Cooler heads and apologies soon prevailed after Mayor Jim Luken restored order. Brodrick said he favored “baby steps” toward the beer and wine in restaurants and package stores instead of “jumping into the deep end of the pool.”
Local Republican Party secretary and retired blogger Kate McDaniel of APVOC.com questioned the council’s attitude toward change, and Ashford Manor’s Jim Shearon took exception to her comment. He cited his former neighbor Mike and Nona Thornton’s Town Center development as proof positive of good change in Watkinsville.
Several other residents spoke about the beer and wine sales in restaurants and package stores including Johnny Lay and Mike Griffith of Golden Pantry.
A new free weekly newspaper was unveiled for publication August 3rd. The Oconee Leader will be a total market coverage newspaper for most of mail patrons of the county. Robert Peecher, Senior received the business license for his son Rob Junior to be editor and publisher. The younger Peecher has been employed at the Macon Telegraph and Eatonton Messenger among other Georgian newspapers.
The paper will be printed in Monroe and their office is on 46A Greensboro Highway, the same location of the last challenge to the county’s legal organ the Oconee Enterprise in the old Oconee Arrow newspaper office.
Maridee Williams of the Oconee Enterprise came and addressed the council about Bicentennial Birthday Celebration November 24 in Eagle Tavern. Many plans are underway and on committee discussion for the celebration, ranging from possible postal commemorative cancellation to birthday cakes and re-enactments. The Oconee County Historical Society has also pledged cooperation.
Steve and Dory Brown received a demolition permit on an existing house in the historic district downtown at 36 South Main Street. This came after inspections by city building inspector Cindy Peck and code enforcement officer Robert Hegge. Brodrick voted against allowing the razing of the house near the historic Bishop Atticus Haygood house of Chappelle Gallery.
Sherry Carson received approval for a swimming pool permit even after the county erroneously approved one for her in the 1080 Taylor’s Drive address. Restaurant owner Scott Boswell received permission for a complete remodel at 64 N. Main Street in what he hopes will be a 1950s style diner called Floyd’s Grill with red neon trim. He had received a business license a month earlier for the eatery in what was the sewing center most recently.
At least three candidates for the new city attorney waited outside the meeting as the council adjourned into executive session to discuss personnel matters as well as acquisition of real estate and potential litigation.
Comments
What a meeting....